A Numerical Model for Bubble Size Distribution in Turbulent Gas-Liquid Dispersion

Abstract

In present study a numerical model for bubble size distribution is developed that considers bothbreakage and coalescence in turbulent gas liquid dispersion. Two-step mechanisms are considered forboth breakage and coalescence of bubbles. The bubble breakage is structured as the product of thebubble-eddy collision frequency and breakage efficiency in gas-liquid dispersions. The coalescencefunction considers the product of bubble-bubble collision frequency and coalescence efficiency. Themodel overcomes several limitations observed in previous efforts such as empirical parameters,narrow range of operating conditions, and narrow range of geometries. Favorable agreement is foundbetween the predicted bubble size distribution and the experimental data reported in the literature. Thepercentage of error obtained for the average bubble size was found within ± 17%.Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.ChE 24 2006 25-34